ThroughThursday, the Rockies have used, and,as the team chases consecutive playoff berths for the first time in franchise history.
But what is Colorado’s ideal lineup, especially during the critical month of September and throughout a potential playoff series? Here’s my take on the best possible lineup for the Rockies when it matters most, regardless if the opposing pitcher is right or left-handed.
1. CF
I’d rather see Blackmon in a corner outfield position, but don’t see manager Bud Black moving him from center this season. And even though he’s hitting only .266 in the leadoff spot compared to .291 in the two hole, when he’s on, Blackmon brings a combination of power, average and beard fearsomeness necessary to thrive in October.
2. 2B
Colorado’s offense wasn’t the same during LeMahieu’s three disabled list stints this season, and the Rockies need him as a catalyst near the top of the order. And in what might be his final days in purple pinstripes, the second baseman’s escalating power (he’s already tied his career high with 11 home runs this season) could win the Rockies a couple more ballgames outright.
3. RF
Gonzalez has come around with his average and power since the end of May, and Colorado needs his vintage bat — plus his cannon arm and all the speed he has left in his legs in the outfield — in order for the offense to maximize its potential. In addition, the experience and presence he brings can’t be understated.
4. 3B
Is there really any question here? The Rockies have the best player in the National League on their team — the guy who should win the MVP — and the best defensive third baseman in the whole game. Put him in the cleanup spot as usual, and let Golden Nolan do his thing.
5. SS
The first-time all-star will need to continue to be the middle-of-the-order bridge between the team’s most talented hitters and the drop-off that follows in the bottom half. His continued power will also be helpful, as his 26 home runs rank third among all major league shortstops. He’s also tied for first in the NL with 263 total bases.
6. 1B
Rockies’ faithful have been hard on the highest-paid player on the team after he scuffled out of the gate, hitting just .154 in April. But he’s come around since then and is projected to post similar power numbers (24 home runs, 86 RBIs) as he has throughout his career. And he’s still a more consistent hitter than the young .
7. LF
Yes, has quietly turned in a reliable campaign for Colorado and Matt Holliday returns amid much fanfare, but Dahl’s upside on both sides of the ball is enormous. He already may be the team’s most skilled outfielder, and could be the injection the bottom half of the order needs if he can cut down on strikeouts, as his .344 average on balls in play is tied for eighth in the NL.
8. C
In the decision between Iannetta and , I give the edge to the veteran. Wolters’ defensive metrics are certainly higher, and he’s made a habit of stealing strikes for Colorado pitchers, but Iannetta’s stick gives the club more average (.218 to .160) and power (nine homers to two).
9.
Patrick Saunders and Mark Kizla debated this point earlier this week: What pitcher gets the ball in a wild card or Game 7 scenario? I lean toward the grit, guts and impressive stat line of the hometown kid in Freeland, although the shut-down stuff of also puts the right-hander in the conversation.
First off bench. Matt Holliday, Ryan McMahon
Called up from Triple-A on Thursday, Holliday immediately started in left field against San Diego. The Rockies should continue to leverage the 38-year-old veteran in the lineup and off the bench down the stretch to gauge how much of an impact he could have in the playoffs. Meanwhile, McMahon has made quite an impression with multiple game-winning home runs, but he’s been streaky — the youngster is only batting .143 over his last seven games.
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Whatap on tap?
- St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- St. Louis Cardinals, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- St. Louis Cardinals, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
- At Los Angeles Angels, 8:07 p.m. Monday, ATTRM
- At Los Angeles Angels, 8:07 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scores, Stats and Standings
Must-Read
Ian Desmond launches two-out, two-run home run as Rockies walk off Padres, take series
Desmond’s blast turned a would-be series letdown into another emotional victory for a club thatap now won 10 of its last 12, many in similarly dramatic fashion. Read more…
Matt Holliday called up by Rockies, starts in left field vs. Padres
A Holliday reunion commenced Thursday afternoon for the Rockies. Read more…
Rockies podcast: Jon Gray’s roller-coaster season, and Matt Holliday’s Rockies returns
In thisepisode of the On the Rox podcast, Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray joins Kyle Newman to talk about his early-season struggles, his tune-up trip to Triple-A and his success since his return to the big leagues. Read more…
Quick Hits
+Matt Holliday’s return to the Rockies fell just short of storybook, but “Rocktober” nostalgia remains
+Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” is motivational walk-up song for Rockies’ Ian Desmond
+Saunders: Rockies can win the NL West; here’s a blueprint
+Kiz vs. Saunders: With one game to win, which Rockies starting pitcher gets the ball?
+Rockies counting on 2018 starters to match 2009 rotation
+Kiszla: It hurts so good. How Rockies are teaching Colorado to love high anxiety of a playoff race.
+Interpreter, assistant, best friend: Meet Eugene Koo, the critical right-hand man for Rockies’ reliever Seunghwan Oh
+Rockies to host 2019 spring training games against Diamondbacks in Monterrey, Mexico
+Former Rockies manager Jim Tracy reminisces on 2009 playoff run, “still roots like crazy” for Colorado
+Nolan Arenado and his Rockies teammates know offense needs to heat up
+ Rockies walked through fire to get themselves square in the playoff chase, put divisional destiny in their own hands
+ Rockies Record Tracker:See how Colorado has fared against each opponentthis season.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
2019
Colorado Rockies release 2019 regular season schedule
The Rockies released their 2019 regular season schedule on Wednesday, which begins with afour-game series at Miami on March 28 in what is the earliest Opening Day in franchise history. Read more…
Parting Shot
John Smoltz calls for changes in baseball in the analytics era
Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz says baseball needs to make some changes — and fast — to make the game more watchable and more appealing to fans both young and old. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
